Hydrogen photocatalytic production from the self-assembled films of PAH/PAA/TiO2 supported on bacterial cellulose membranes

Abstract

The issues related to renewable energy sources is a matter of great worldwide appeal due to the increasing energy demand, instability in oil prices and environmental problems. In this context, the purpose of this study was to prepare self-assembled films of polyallylamine hydrochloride and poly (acrylic acid) supported onto bacterial cellulose membranes by a layer-by-layer approach with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and different concentrations of gold for application in hydrogen gas (H2) production by photocatalysis. The influence of the gold concentration and the presence and size of the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), as well as the surface and thickness of the films on H2 production was investigated. The results showed that the film, prepared with a lower concentration of gold, presented the smallest Au NPs and, therefore, greater contact with the TiO2 nanoparticle surfaces, producing more H2. By analyzing the variation in all the experimental parameters used in the preparation of the films, it can be concluded that the best H2 production achieved was 29.12 μmol h−1 cm2.